FAQ

1. What makes Management Systems unique?

We are unique in many ways from most traditional consulting firms.

First, we are regarded as thought leaders in Building Sustainably Successful Organizations™ – Growing Pains(written by our President, Eric Flamholtz, and our Executive Vice President, Yvonne Randle), is recognized as the definitive or “classic” book on organizational growth.

Second, Management Systems has developed an integrated set of research-based, empirically validated, and practical frameworks, tools, and methodologies for building sustainably successful organizations. All of our tools have been proven to work in practice with companies ranging in size from under $1 million in revenue to members of the Fortune 100, as well as in non-profits organizations.

Third, our approach in working with our clients is that of “coach” and “facilitator” versus just a “consultant.” We help our clients effectively implement the customized solution we have developed for them and provide them with the training needed to continue this implementation into the future.

2. Do you have specific expertise in our type of business or industry?

Over the past 35 plus years, Management Systems has helped companies in a wide variety of industries to build sustainably successful organizations. Industries include: pharmaceutical and biotech, real estate management and development, manufacturing, retails, software development, financial services, entertainment, travel, food service, non-profit, and many others. However, our belief is that you are the industry experts. Our expertise is in helping your team learn, implement and effectively use organizational and management development tools that will enhance your success regardless of the industry you are in.

3. What can I expect after I contact Management Systems about possibly working with my company?

At Management Systems, we begin with the initial discussion that helps us understand your needs and that helps you understand how we might assist. If you make the decision to move forward, we will typically prepare a formal (written) proposal that describes the customized solution we have developed to address your needs. This proposal will describe how we will work with you, who from our team will be involved, the deliverables you can expect from this work, the budget for the program or process we are proposing, and the timeline for completion. After you have reviewed the proposal, we will typically have a conversation with you to address any questions that you have and “fine-tune” the solution, if needed. If you decide to engage us to work with you, we will prepare and send you an agreement for services that includes a restatement of the information contained in the proposal (reflecting any modifications made after discussions with you). The agreement also includes a schedule for payment of our fees. Once the agreement is signed by you and returned to Management Systems, we will begin our work with you. Our work with you will be led by a specific member of our team who will be available to address any questions that you have as we begin implementing your customized solution.

4. Who, from Management Systems, will work with my company?

During our preliminary discussions with you, we will determine who from our team will best meet your needs. We base our recommendations for who will work with you on the experience of each of our team members, as well as their individual styles. The agreement that we have with you will specify the lead person from our team (and, where appropriate, his or her support) and we will not change the staffing of our work with you unless you request the change. We do not send out someone to sell the program and then switch to more junior people to deliver it. You work with the people you select.

5. How do we get started working with you?

There is no single approach to the initial steps or process of beginning to work with a client. It depends upon your situation and needs. During our preliminary discussions with you, we will determine what will best meet your needs. Some client’s know they want a specific thing such as development of a strategic plan or a leadership development session or program. Others know from the start that they want an ongoing relationship and prefer for us to conduct an initial assessment/ familiarization and recommend how to get started. Still others prefer that we make an initial overview presentation of our frameworks and tools (that include administering our surveys) as a way of introducing Management Systems to their company.